Entrepreneur Maschmeyer calls for Chancellor Merz to resign after election losses
Entrepreneur Carsten Maschmeyer has called for Chancellor Friedrich Merz to resign, saying he "completely messed up" and must step down, according to comments made on the ARD talk show "Maischberger." Maschmeyer, who donated to the CDU in early 2025, criticized Merz's motives for becoming chancellor, calling him "arrogant," "unapproachable," and a "know-it-all" who fails to connect emotionally with people. He suggested Hendrik Wüst, Daniel Günther, or Markus Söder as potential successors. The attack comes after the CDU suffered its worst-ever result in Saxony-Anhalt's state election on Sunday, winning only 17.2 percent and losing 25 seats, while the AfD secured first place with 43.8 percent.